Ukrainians Coming To Canada Will Want To Return To Homeland Post-War: Fraser

Canada immigration news: The reason Ukrainian refugees will be allowed to come to Canada in “unlimited” numbers in two weeks from their war-torn homeland is that many of them will likely not stay here, says Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

“One of the first things we heard from the Ukrainian-Canadian community is that the vast majority of the people who want to come to Canada don’t want to stay,” Fraser reportedly told CTV’s Question Period.

“If we learned anything about Ukrainians who are fleeing this conflict, it’s that they love their homeland and they want to go back when the war is over.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

Saskatchewan Reaches Out To Ukrainians With PNP Canada Immigration Draw
Unlimited Numbers Of Ukrainians Fleeing War With Russia Can Come To Canada
New Measures To Help Ukrainians Embroiled In War With Russia Come To Canada


Since the beginning of this year, Canada has welcomed roughly 6,235 Ukrainians to its shores. 

That number is expected to skyrocket after March 17, the day Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is hoping to have its Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway open.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on the neighbouring country of Ukraine and quickly invaded on Feb. 24. 

Ukrainians Fleeing War-Torn Homeland Hits 1.5 Million

It didn’t take long for the number of Ukrainians seeking safe refuge to reach alarmingly-high levels.

“More than 1.5 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed into neighbouring countries in 10 days – the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II,” tweeted Filippo Grandhi, the United Nations’ high commissioner for refugees, on Sunday.

On Wednesday last week, Grandhi tweeted that thousands upon thousands of Ukrainians were then trying to cross the border at the Moldovan village of Palenca, just outside of Ukraine’s southwest corner.

“Thousands of stories of separation, anguish, and loss,” tweeted Grandhi. “A difficult day, but much respect for the many dedicated Moldovan officials and people helping the refugees.”

The Russia-Ukraine war, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is the biggest assault on a European state since the Second World War.


Watch Video


“I am inspired by the courage Ukrainians have displayed as they uphold the democratic ideals that we cherish in Canada,” says Fraser.

“While they defend themselves against Putin’s costly war of aggression, we will provide safe haven to those who fled to protect themselves and their families. Canadians stand with Ukrainians in their time of need and we will welcome them with open arms.”

Under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, Ukrainians will be able to come to Canada, pending background checks and security screenings, and stay for at least two years, including extensions to that permit.

Ukrainians Coming To Canada Under New Pathway To Get Work Permits

All Ukrainians who come to Canada as part of these measures will be eligible to apply for open work permits, making it easier for employers to quickly hire Ukrainian nationals.

Until that pathway comes into effect the IRCC is encouraging Ukrainians to apply through all programs and reassuring them that theirs will be the first ones processed.  

Canadian immigration announced last month that Ukrainians already in Canada on a temporary basis are now able to apply to extend their status as a visitor, student or worker.

Among the new immigration measures announced since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war are:

  • a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries that will be available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. In addition, clients can now add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC Web form with their enquiry and their e-mail will be prioritized;
  • urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports;
  • an updated web page to provide current information on measures. This page will include content in Ukrainian for ease of reference;
  • permission for Ukrainians currently in Canada to extend their stay or stay longer in Canada by prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits, and extending a policy that allows individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada. This policy would allow temporary residents who receive a job offer to remain in Canada and start working while they wait for their work permit application to be processed, and;
  • the issuance of open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home, so they can stay longer if they wish. Fees are being waived, retroactive to Feb. 22, for certain travel and immigration documents, such as Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas, and work and study permits. 

Special Family Reunification Sponsorship Pathway For Ukrainians Coming Soon

Canadian immigration officials have also upped their game in Ukraine, relocating staff and moving additional supplies and equipment, such as mobile biometric collection kits, in anticipation of an increased volume of requests. 

The IRCC has also adjusted operations in offices across its global network to ensure service continuity for Ukraine. Online options are available for most applications.

The IRCC is also planning to soon put in place a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence for the immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who may want to start a new life in Canada.

Ottawa is working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to hammer out the details of that program and expects to unveil it in a few weeks.

“To the people of Ukraine, you have inspired the world with your courage and resilience, and Canada is here to support you,” the IRCC states on its website. “We are actively working to launch these measures and stand ready to welcome more Ukrainians to Canada.” 

Ontario Entrepreneur Draw: Province Invites 21 Canada Immigration Candidates

Canada immigration news: Ontario immigration has conducted its first draw of 2022 through the province’s Entrepreneur Stream, issuing 21 Invitations to Apply.

The March 4 draw saw ITAs issued to Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) candidates scoring between 152 and 169 points.

Candidates who submitted an Expression of Interest by February 21, 2022 were eligible for consideration.


Read More Canada Immigration News

New Ontario PhD Graduate Stream Draw Sees Province Issue 173 Canada Immigration Invitations
Ontario Targets Three Canada Immigration Streams With 1,320 Invitations
New Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Draw Sees Province Issue 818 Canada Immigration NOIs


Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: 2022 Draws

Date

Invitations Issued

Minimum score range

04-03-2022

21

152-169


Video:


Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: Financial Requirements

1) Net Worth

  • Minimum net worth of $800,000 if your proposed business will be in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Outside the GTA, minimum net worth is $400,000.
  • Proposed business in either ICT or digital communications, minimum net worth is $400,000 anywhere in province.

2) Investment and Ownership

  • Invest at least $600,000 in an Ontario business and own at least 33 per cent if business is in GTA.
  • Outside GTA, invest at least $200,000 and own at least 33 per cent.
  • Proposed business in either ICT or digital communications, invest at least $200,000 and own at least 33 per cent anywhere in province.

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: Non-Financial Requirements

  • At least 24 months of full-time business experience in the past 60 months, as an owner or senior manager.
  • Create two full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the proposed company if located inside the GTA. Business located outside the GTA, or in either ICT or digital communications, must create one full time job.
  • Make exploratory visit to Ontario in the 12 months prior to application. Note: This only applies to those buying an existing business.
  • Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
  • Physically reside in Ontario for at least 75% of the time you are managing the business.

 

Saskatchewan Reaches Out To Ukrainians With PNP Canada Immigration Draw

Canada immigration news: Saskatchewan has conducted an Expression of Interest draw in direct response to the crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, exclusively inviting candidates from the under-siege country.

A March 4 Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program draw saw the province invite 36 candidates who listed their country of residence as Ukraine.

Millions are currently trying to flee the European country to escape a war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin, to the horror of the western world.

At federal level, Canada has introduced a number of immigration measures designed to help those trying to escape the crisis come here.

Saskatchewan is the first province to conduct a PNP draw directly aimed at assisting Ukranians.

Occupations In-Demand candidates received 22 invitations, with a minimum score of 60 points.

A further 14 invitations went to Express Entry candidates, with a minimum score of 61 points.


Read More Canada Immigration News

Unlimited Numbers Of Ukrainians Fleeing War With Russia Can Come To Canada
New Measures To Help Ukrainians Embroiled In War With Russia Come To Canada
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Draw: Province Invites 58 Canada Immigration Candidates


Latest Saskatchewan Expression of Interest Draw

Draw date

Category

Minimum score

Invites issued

Other considerations

04-Mar-22

Occupations In-Demand

60

22

All invited candidates listed

country of residence as Ukraine.

Express Entry

61

14


Video


What is the Process for Saskatchewan Expression of Interest?

  1. Submit EOI profile.
  2. Enter EOI candidate pool.
  3. EOI candidates selected.
  4. Invitations to Apply issued via regular draws.
  5. Candidates submit full application within 60 days.
  6. SINP officials assess applications and make decision.

What Are the Requirements for The Occupation-In-Demand Sub-Category?

  • Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid;
  • Have a language score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4. Employers and regulatory bodies may ask for higher;
  • Have completed one year of post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship comparable to the Canadian education system. You must have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
    • Degrees and diplomas obtained outside Canada subject to an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • At least one-year work experience in the past 10 years:
    • In your field of education or training occupation, and
    • In an eligible occupation in NOC A, B, 0. See the excluded occupations list.
  • Obtain the appropriate licensure in Saskatchewan if your field so requires, as the authorities will not process an application without the licensure.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.
  • Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee online.

What Are the Requirements for The Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category?

Candidates from outside Canada, or with legal status in Canada, qualify for this Saskatchewan immigration category, provided they are not refugee claimant.

Additionally, candidates must:

  • Have a profile in the Express Entry Pool, with profile number and job seeker validation code;
  • Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid;
  • Provide valid language test results from a designated testing agency matching those in the Express Entry profile;
  • Have completed one year of post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship comparable to the Canadian education system. You must have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
    • Degrees and diplomas obtained outside Canada subject to an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • Have at least one of the following experience requirements in your field of education or training occupation:
    • One year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades);
    • Two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years; or
    • One year of work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
  • Have work experience in a high-skilled, eligible occupation in NOC A, B, 0. See the excluded occupations list.
  • Obtain the appropriate licensure in Saskatchewan where your profession is regulated or a skilled trade. For skilled trades, a certificate is required from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.
  • Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee online.